Cyclone won't stop celebration

That was the message from Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson when he announced the three finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori Horticulturalist for 2023.

The three finalists are Ngai Tukairangi Trust based in Northland, the Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay, MIL – Whiritoa Orchards, near Whakatane, as well as Wi Pere Trust whose operation is just out of Gisborne.

Despite all their orchards being damaged in various ways in the past months, representatives of all the finalists travelled to Wellington for the announcement held in Parliaments Grand Hall. It was also attended by politicians, members of the diplomatic corps and a wide representation from the Māori and wider agribusiness sector.

The Ahuwhenua Trophy is the most prestigious award for excellence in Māori farming. Its purpose is to encourage Māori farmers to improve their land and their overall farming performance with an emphasis on sustainability.

On a three year rotational basis, Māori compete for the trophy in the horticulture, dairy and sheep and beef sectors. This is only the second time the competition for horticulture has been held.

Jackson told the gathering his heart went out to all those affected by the cyclones – not just Māori – as they work to try and re-build their lives and businesses. He says while the ongoing consequences of the disaster continue to unravel, it is important to continue to run the country and undertake the normal democratic functions. Jackson added that it was also necessary to celebrate another important chapter in the history of the Ahuwhenua Trophy. “That is what today is about. It’s a real celebration about what Māori are doing out there in rural Aotearoa,” he explained.

“I am pleased to be here to celebrate this day with everyone – the work and the mahi goes on and the celebration should continue.”

In congratulating the finalists, Jackson noted that horticulture is in the DNA of Māori and is part of the values they hold for the whenua or land and is part of their identity. He says horticulture is an activity Māori have undertaken for centuries. He adds that, recently, Māori horticulture has gathered significant economic momentum and grew 300% in the 14 years to 2020.

“That is a real testament to the mahi of our people in this room,” he says.

Jackson says 2023 is special year for Ahuwhenua for it marks the 90 years since the trophy was inaugurated Māori leader Sir Apirana Ngata and the Governor General at the time Lord Bledisloe.

Praise For Finalists

Nukuhia Hadfield, chair of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee, says the competition committee is very mindful of the disastrous consequences of Cyclone Gabrielle, not to mention the numerous other adverse weather events that have affected the sector in the past six months.

She says that before Gabrielle struck, the judges were able to visit the properties of all the entrants and select three excellent finalists. Hadfield says the current situation means likely changes to the judging process, however, all agree that it is possible to hold the competition and determine a winner.

“We have selected three incredible finalists, all of whom could be worthy winners of the Ahuwhenua Trophy for Horticulture,” she told Hort News.

“Before Cyclone Gabrielle struck, they had to deal with the ongoing effects of Covid- 19, shortages of labour and logistical issues. They have already proved their resilience and determination to work their way through adversity, although dealing with the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle is a much higher mountain to climb.”

Hadfield says the finalists – along with all the other entrants – have made a significant contribution to the economic success of Aotearoa, which is not widely known or recognised.

“The aim of the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition is to follow the vision of Sir Apirana Ngata and Lord Bledisloe by changing this narrative and showcasing our success to the wider public.”

The winner will be announced at the awards dinner held on 9 June 2023 at 2023 at the Trustpower Baypark Stadium, in Tauranga.